It’s wierd, listening to this era once again. While there is a ton of history associated with the few monster Top 40 stations of the day, such as WABC, WLS and KHJ, less is available about the more, Middle Of the Road (MOR) stations heard in at the start of the 70s.
KMPC was owned by Country & Western star Gene Autry. In addition to movies and singing, Autry was also a broadcaster. KMPC could possibly be compared in sound & format to the old WNEW Eleven Three Oh in New York… at least in the area of on-air presentation. This was a personality-oriented station that never achieved, or even tried, to compete musically, with crosstown KHJ or KFWB. And despite the fact that KMPC was always known as an adult station, it always had a loyal following, and some big named personalities.
Gary Owens‘ career was rolling along smoothly in 1970, with a daily show on KMPC and the voice of numerous television shows including Rowan Martin’s “Laugh In”. It sure is good to hear him again!
Thanks to Big Ron O’Brien for this aircheck master, provided via Matt @ BigAppleAirchecks!
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Isn’t this aircheck from 1969 instead of 1970? Gary plays several records that are on the easy listneing charts in August of 1969 and doesn’t play anything from 1970.
I can only go by the date on the aircheck. Sometimes the person who recorded it puts the wrong date down. Other than that I can’t explain it.
This is the date that was on the reel I got in the box of goodies.
Man, it sure is good to hear Gary again. There’s no one on the air today just out to have fun and mess around with your mind in the good-natured, unexpected way that Gary did. Thanks for this!
I checked the date– Gary mentions that it’s Friday, and the “Oneth” of August.
That’d make it 1969.
And yes, growing up listening to Gary Owens on KMPC was a great substitute for drugs. He’s my all-time favorite.
The fact that there’s an ad for 1969 Fords makes it pretty clear, too.
When in doubt…actually listen to the aircheck.
What great memories! As a kid I used to tune in to KMPC every afternoon just to hear that voice.
I was lucky enough to speak with gary on the phone once when I wanted to break into voice overs.
He’s so damn gifted,it just humbles me.
I always listened to KMPC and Gary Owens in the late 60’s and early 70’s. Gary invented a word and it later made it way into the websters dictionary, but as hard as I try, I can not remember the word. Can you tell me what it was?
Thanks
A reply for Tom Burger. I believe the word you are looking for is “insegrevious”. I used it once in a term paper at college. Got an A.
I’m really enjoying this. I had never heard Gary other than ‘Laugh-In’ and some commercials.
BTW, this aircheck is August 1, 1969